Japan-inspired chocolates big in Britain

UPI News Service, 03/16/2009

A pair of married chefs in London said their confections that combine chocolate with Japanese foods, including wasabi, have proven to be a hit with customers.

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Suzue Curley, who moved to England from Osaka, Japan, and her British-born husband, William, said their London patisserie features chocolate treats that contain traditional Japanese foods, including wasabi, black vinegar, green tea, toasted sesame seeds and citrus fruit yuzu, Kyodo News reported Monday.

"We had lots of ingredients around us and they are not necessarily always for use in savory dishes. We tried some and they worked well with chocolate," Suzue Curley said.

She said the chocolates have received the approval of numerous Japanese customers.

"We have lots of Japanese clients who live in London and some also travel here when they are visiting Britain because we are in a little guide book on places to take tea. They love the chocolate," Suzue said.

William Curley was named "chocolatier of the year" for three years running by the prestigious Academy of Chocolate for the unusual candies he created with his wife.